Susan James has gained a lot of well known fans over the last few years. Bob Weir and Rob Wassrerman heard her, and asked her to open for Ratdog. She has also opened for for Son Volt, Rufus Wainright, Richard Thompson and Lindsey Buckingham among others. She has been playing guitar since she was eight. […]
Up & Comers – Honey Child
Honey Child may be currently unsigned, but that will not be the case for long. Their sound is definitely Indie Rock, but their music is mostly up tempo and very accessible. They mix the electric instruments of a Rock band with mandolin, banjo and acoustic guitars. The instrumentation produces an Alternative sound with Americana undertones. The songs have melodies and […]
Top 10 for 2010
In most years, the best part of undertaking the task of creating a best of list, is highlighting the emerging artists that were unearthed. That was not the case in 2010. It was a year of the tried and true. It was like the pair of worn out jeans you can’t replace, because they are […]
Amos Lee – Mission Bell
On January 25th, Amos Lee is going to release Mission Bell on Blue Note Records. Mark your calendars, this early January release will remain on many best of lists by the end of 2011. Characteristically, Lee’s soulful voice is the focal point of the album. However, the sound of Mission Bell exhibits more texture than his previous […]
Paul Thorn – Pimps & Preachers
You can always count on Paul Thorn to provide a picture of life in the margins. His new effort Pimps and Preachers paints many different portraits. There are catchy singer-songwriter story songs like the opener “You’re Not the Only Oneâ€, which shows that the problems and trials of life are not unique to the family […]
Mike Farris – The Night Cumberland Came Alive
I’m not sure why the May floods that hit Nashville in May of this year did not seem to grasp the nation’s attention like other recent natural disasters did. There was a lot of press attention, but it seems that the lack of hurricane force winds made the story less captivating. However, the people who […]
Jon Langford – Old Devils
Is it possible for the leader of bands like the Waco Brothers andhe Mekons to become introspective, and produce an album that results in something beyond the live music bar bash that characterizes every Waco Brothers show? The simple answer is yes. Langford is also a very accomplished outsider artist, maybe his visual art is bleeding into his songwriting. The […]
Marty Stuart-Ghost Train, The Studio B Sessions
The new Marty Stuart release, Ghost Train , The Studio B Sessions, has everything a real Country album should have. The album was recorded at the famed RCA Studio B in Nashville. The studio was designed in the 50’s by Chet Atkins and quickly became the Country Capital’s premier recording venue. In fact, It would be easier […]
Hayshaker
I have to admit bias on this one. When a band can have lyrics like, “Second thoughts have occurred. I feel like a gigantic turd. Walking barefoot like a hooker at 3 in the morning,” I can’t give it a bad review. The truth is these boys from Georgia have unleashed a great album. The […]
Twistable, Turnable Man – Shel Silverstein Tribute
I must admit that I am sick of tribute albums. There is no one left it seems that hasn’t had a tribute album done in their name. In fact, I am waiting for a tribute album to tribute albums. Better yet, I would love to see a tribute album to a band that hasn’t even […]